Party brings Christmas joy to kids

TIFFANY PAKKALAtiffany.pakkala@staugustine.com

Published Sunday, December 23, 2007

Timmy Lewis was the picture of a boy who got what he wanted for Christmas on Saturday.

His eyes grew wide, then he threw his arms in the air and ran full speed to collect his prize when his name was drawn in a raffle for a brand new bicycle at West Augustine's annual "Christmas in the Park."

"I didn't think they would call me," the 15-year-old said, beaming as he sat on the new bike. He didn't have a bike at home let alone a brand new one. He wasn't the only child who left with a gift from the event at Calvin Peete Park. In fact, every child took home at least two toys.

Lucy Wells-Johnson, who came up with the idea for the Christmas event seven years ago, said more than 200 children showed up to eat, play in a bounce house, watch musical performances and receive gifts.

The event is designed to give a Christmas to children whose families might not otherwise be able to give them gifts. It also offers fellowship to people who might not have families to celebrate with, Wells-Johnson said, and it's an opportunity to remind people that the holiday is really about the birth of Jesus.

When it was time to pass out gifts, Wells-Johnson put on her Santa hat and welcomed a line of children on stage to choose what they wanted.

Rataja Williams, 4, and her sister, Chaquita Wesley, 6, each were thrilled to get a My Little Pony hair styling kit.

"I went on stage and got this!" Rataja cheered as she danced around the park with the big pink box.

Their older brother, Traevon Moore, 11, was just as thrilled with his new Discman and a book about astronauts. But little did he know that he also would get a bike in the raffle.

"I was so happy when they called my name," Traevon said after winning his new ride.

Another lucky winner, DaQuan Preston, 5, walked away with the grand prize: a game table with football, pool, shuffle board, darts, ping pong, and several other game possibilities. When his name was announced, his aunt, Tracy Anderson, could be heard cheering from the playground, where the young boy had been playing. The two of them ran to the stage to collect his prize.

As the event came to a close, many of the children had to place their gifts in large cardboard boxes to get them all to their cars.

Several groups donated time, gifts and funds to make the celebration possible. Among them were the St. Johns County Housing Department, West Augustine Weed and Seed, West Augustine Improvement Association, West Augustine Community Redevelopment Association, TransAmerican Drilling, First Baptist Primitive Care, Dave Klater Consultants and Catholic Charities.

Toys were also collected from community members at Ponce De Leon Mall.